If you’ve been around Bloom for any length of time, you’ll know how seriously I take mental health. After suffering through periods of intense struggle with my own mental health, I found the meditative state that flower arranging created to be a way for me to heal on my own terms. But it wasn’t just flower arranging that helped me take my life back––it’s been a constant journey of incorporating new habits into my daily life that keep me on track.

 

These are my tried and true habits that––when implemented at your own pace––can totally transform your mental health. 

 

Eat well

 

I know, I know, this isn’t exactly a secret! But, when you recognise your gut as your second mind and give it the care and nutrients it deserves, I guarantee you’ll notice big differences in your mental state. While it’s not for everyone, a paleo diet is doing wonders for my gut and has definitely affected my mental health for the better.

 

Consistent sleep 

 

Try to rise and retire at the same time each day, making sure to get a minimum of seven hours of sleep each night. Lots of smartphones have functions that will track your sleep and help you find the right time to go to bed and wake you up at the optimal time in your sleep cycle. Consistent, quality sleep is essential for mental health.

 

Morning rituals

 

Waking up in the morning is a sacred time that should be treated as such. Before you start your day and head off into the busyness of work and life, carve out space in your mornings for a regular ritual. This could look like 30 mins of endorphin-inducing exercise, meditation, journaling, yoga––whatever feels right to you.

 

Feed your mind

 

Consider the content you are consuming. Is it helping or hindering you? For my part, I avoid the news and instead prefer podcasts and audiobooks that teach me something. (Tip – The School of Greatness with Lewis Howes is a great place to start!)

 

Flowers as a necessity

 

I talk a lot about this in my book, Feed Your Soul With Flowers, but the energy flowers exude is tremendous for helping us relax. I highly recommend swapping the phone by your bedside for a vase of blooms, a scented candle and an inspirational book.

 

Digital detox time zone 

 

Schedule blocks of time where you actively choose to do life without your phone, laptop and tablet. Constantly being plugged in via our devices disconnects us from real life, and it’s not doing our mental health any favours.

 

Time out 

 

Find a regular activity/hobby where you don’t feel the passing of time. It could be meditation, flower arranging, gardening or crafts. These kinds of hobbies help us to mentally disconnect from all the busyness of our lives and just enjoy an activity for enjoyment’s sake.

 

Book a holiday

 

Do you know what’s almost better than a holiday? The lead-up to one! There’s nothing quite like the anticipation that builds and builds the closer you get to your days off, so give yourself the gift of anticipation and book some quality time away.

 

Time for reflection 

 

Regularly reflecting on where you’ve been, where you are, and where you’re going is a life-changer. It helps you recognise how you’re life is changing and to be grateful for how far you’ve come. It’s also super helpful for keeping your long-term goals in mind.

 

Stay organised

 

Often our spaces are a reflection of our mental states, so when our homes or offices are a mess, it’s not a far stretch to assume that we’re not doing the best mentally either. Mess can also make you more stressed, so if you can, really put effort into keeping your spaces organised and tidy. 

 

What do you think, could you see yourself implementing some (or all!) of these tips into your life? If you’re after more about how flowers play into mental health, I’ve literally written the book on it. Feed Your Soul With Flowers is available on my website and most major book retailers, or you can take the course of the same name for a more interactive experience.

 

Yvette x